(Bingham County Coroner’s Office, March 31, 2026)
Thanks to a grant from the Governor’s Children At Risk Task Force, our office has received funding to develop and deliver specialized training for coroners, law enforcement, EMS providers, and other professionals across Boise, Eastern Idaho, and Northern Idaho. This course is focused on the proper investigation of child and infant deaths, with an emphasis on identifying safe sleep environments and preventing future tragedies.
This training comes at a critical time for Idaho. Recent reporting by ProPublica has highlighted long-standing challenges within Idaho’s coroner system, including inconsistent investigations and limited access to autopsies. In fact, Idaho has ranked among the lowest in the nation for performing autopsies in unexpected child deaths, often leaving families without clear answers.
State leaders, including an advisory panel formed at the request of Governor Brad Little, are now actively working on legislation to improve standards. Proposed changes include requiring autopsies in certain cases, supporting coroners who achieve national certification, and creating more consistent expectations across counties.
While these efforts move forward at the state level, meaningful change also happens at the local level through collaboration, listening, and learning.
Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with the Cooley family who experienced firsthand the impact of gaps in the current system. Their willingness to share their experience provided insight that cannot be taught in a classroom alone. Their perspective will play an integral role in shaping how we educate investigators, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, EMS personnel, and coroners throughout Idaho.
Their input is helping us strengthen training in a way that keeps families at the center of what we do. It reinforces the importance of thorough scene response, clear communication, and a commitment to seeking answers in every case. These are not just professional standards, they are responsibilities we owe to every family we serve.
We are grateful for their courage in stepping forward and for their partnership in improving the future of death investigation in Idaho. Their voice will help ensure that other families receive the answers, respect, and professionalism they deserve.
As we continue to build and deliver this training, we remain committed to advancing standards, strengthening collaboration, and working toward a system that consistently meets the needs of Idaho families.
Standards matter. And so do the people we serve.
